Diphenhydramine/ pseudoephedrine

Diphenhydramine/ pseudoephedrine is used for:

Relieving symptoms of sinus congestion, pressure, runny nose, and sneezing due to colds, upper respiratory infections, and allergies. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine is an antihistamine and decongestant combination. The antihistamine works by blocking the action of histamine, which helps reduce symptoms such as watery eyes and sneezing. The decongestant promotes sinus and nasal drainage, which relieves congestion and pressure.

Do NOT use diphenhydramine/ pseudoephedrine if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine

you have severe high blood pressure, severe heart blood vessel disease, fast heartbeat, severe heart problems, narrow-angle glaucoma, or if you are unable to urinate

you are taking sodium oxybate (GHB) or you have taken furazolidone or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine) within the last 14 days

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

if you have a history of diabetes; glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye; a blockage of your bladder, stomach, or intestines; ulcers; trouble urinating; an enlarged prostate or other prostate problems; seizures; or thyroid problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

Digoxin or droxidopa because the risk of irregular heartbeat or heart attack may be increased

Beta-blockers (eg, propranolol) or bromocriptine because the risk of their side effects may be increased by diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine

Guanadrel, guanethidine, mecamylamine, methyldopa, or reserpine because their effectiveness may be decreased by diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use diphenhydramine/ pseudoephedrine:

Use diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Take diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine by mouth with or without food.

Swallow diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.

If you miss a dose of diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine.

Important safety information:

Diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.

Do not take diet or appetite control medicines while you are taking diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine without checking with your doctor.

Diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine has diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine in it. Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has diphenhydramine or pseudoephedrine in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Do NOT take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.

If your symptoms do not get better within 5 to 7 days or if they get worse, check with your doctor.

Diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.

Diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine may interfere with skin allergy tests. If you are scheduled for a skin test, talk to your doctor. You may need to stop taking diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine for a few days before the tests.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Use diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, excitability, low blood pressure, and trouble urinating.

Caution is advised when using diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially excitability.

Diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 6 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine while you are pregnant. Do not take diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine in the third trimester of pregnancy. Diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine.

Possible side effects of diphenhydramine/ pseudoephedrine:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

Store diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

If you have any questions about diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine or any other medicine. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine.

Review Date: July 5, 2017

Disclaimer: This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.